Jobe Watson losing the passion for footy

Essendon says Jobe Watson is once again considering his future in the AFL, as he struggles to maintain his passion for the game, after handing his Brownlow Medal back to the AFL a fortnight ago.

Speaking at Essendon training on Tuesday, coach John Worsfold said Watson is struggling after having to hand back his Brownlow, however, is confident he will rediscover his passion in time for the start of the season.

“Jobe was in a really good space and looking forward to getting back and playing footy and the timing of the Brownlow announcement just as he was about to run back out onto the training track with the guys challenged him again,’’ Worsfold said.

“There is no doubt it has again got Jobe to the point where he again says, “Do I really have the passion for the game and playing the game”, so we are saying to Jobe, “Don’t just think a light is going to switch on overnight, come and get involved in training and let it evolve through this current period.

“He is super fit and training really well but he doesn’t run out on the training track bouncing around and saying I am loving this. It has challenged him again.

“I can’t say what his mood is but it’s challenged him more than where he was at six weeks ago.

“We will support him taking his time with that decision if and when that passion comes back.

“I am confident it will and I have told Jobe I will assist him and hopefully he can find that.”

Worsfold said a decision is yet to be made on who will captain the side in 2017, with Watson still a chance to lead the side next season.

You have to be 100% committed to play AFL footy. It took him months to decide to play on. This tells me he should quit for his own benefit and that of the club. I’m not being nasty, just realistic because AFL requires 100% commitment.

Maybe it’s time to move on and let new blood come through. Although the class of players are far and few between in the younger players but it’s better to build a young fella with the passion to play hard than someone considering retiring.